Ballmer Scholarship

Type: Full-ride scholarship for Master's of Social Work (MSW) students

Geographic Scope: Washington State

The Ballmer scholarship is a full-ride scholarship available to Walla Walla University Master's of Social Work (MSW) students. The scholarship aims to significantly decrease student debt and increase the number and diversity of well-prepared graduates who work in community agencies that serve vulnerable populations.

Funding Source

The scholarship is funded by the Ballmer Foundation through the Washington State Behavioral Health Workforce Development Initiative (WDI), which was launched by the University of Washington School of Social Work.

Purpose

The WDI provides two-year grants to master's students in accredited clinical mental health programs who make a commitment to work in community behavioral health agencies in Washington for a period of time. The initiative recognizes the significant current demand for mental health professionals in Washington state, a need that has grown exponentially, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.

What They Fund

• Tuition and fees: Full-ride coverage for two years of MSW study
• Additional support: The Ballmer Foundation provides additional training and job support tools available to students after graduation

Eligibility Requirements

• Must have already been accepted into the MSW program at Walla Walla University
• Students should be authentic and passionate about providing mental health care and helping people
• Must be willing to commit to work in community behavioral health agencies in Washington for a specified period of time

Contact Information

• Program Coordinator: Jeremy Springer, Professor of Social Work and Sociology
• University: Walla Walla University
• Website: wallawalla.edu/social-work
• General Contact: (509) 527-2211 or info@wallawalla.edu

Application Process

1. Ensure Acceptance: Must have already been accepted into the MSW program at Walla Walla University
2. Attend Informational Session: Interested students should attend an informational session to learn more about the scholarship and ask questions
3. Submit Application: Complete and submit the application for the Ballmer scholarship
4. Contact Program Coordinator: Reach out to Jeremy Springer, Professor of Social Work and Sociology and MSW program coordinator, with any questions

Required Materials

Specific required materials are not detailed in the source material. Applicants should visit the application portal for complete requirements.

Additional Notes

• Application materials and information are available at waworkforcedevelopment.org
• Informational sessions are held periodically (example: April 18 at 6 p.m. in the Winter Educational Complex, though specific dates may vary by year)